Heavy storms and giant hailstones have left at least 16 people dead and caused widespread property damage in southern China.

The poor weather has lasted more than a week, bringing landslides and flooding - particularly in the autonomous Guangxi province, which borders Vietnam.

Local authorities say at least 16 people have been killed, although that figure is likely to rise as the true extent of the devastation cannot be fully assessed until the poor weather subsides.

Yesterday the Civil Affairs Department of Guangxi said at least 70 houses had collapsed, with another 1,716 badly damaged, and more than 2,000 hectares of crops destroyed.

Local weather forecasts said heavy rain and hail is expected to continue to hit parts of Guangxi over the next few days, before subsiding in the latter half of this week.

Landslide and flood warnings are likely to remain in place well into next week.

Destruction: This factory workshop was completely destroyed when giant hailstones hit the area of Dongguan in southern China's Guangxi province

No protection: A roof in Dongguan is covered in holes after giant hailstones crashed through the ceiling

Saved: Rescuers try to move a car trapped in a flooded area of Dongguan early this morning after heavy rain and hailstorms hit Guangdong province

Rescue: At least 16 people have been killed after heavy storms hit southern China. In this picture, workers are seen carrying a cabinet as they clean up debris at a construction site in Dongguan

Damage: Local authorities say at least 16 people have been killed in the storms. That figure is likely to rise, however, as the true extent of the devastation can only be fully assessed once the poor weather subsides

Floods: Local weather forecasts said heavy rain and hail is expected to continue to hit parts of Guangxi over the next few days, before subsiding in the latter half of this week

Danger: A ceiling in Dongmen is potted with large holes after heavy rain and hailstorms hit southern China